Strip cleaning and processing machine



Feb. 25, 1958 K. L. BANDY 2,824,321

. STRIP CLEANING AND PROCESSING 'MACHINE Filed Aug. 9. 1954 5Sheets$heet l Fiy; 1.

INVENTOR ffinnelb LBandy' BY ATTOR EY Feb. 25, 1958 I K. L. BANDY STRIPCLEANING AND PROCESSING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 9. 1954 w mw 1 w r h 6 m. 4 2 W l 7 w W INVENTOR BY Z ' j A'I'TORN 1958 I K. L.BAND'Y 2,824,321 STRIP CLEANING AND PROCESSING MACHINE Filed Aug. 9.1954 5 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR Kennel/z LBanay BY W%% Feb. 25, 1958 K.L. BANDY STR IP CLEANING AND PROCESSING MACHINE Filed Aug. 9, 1954 5Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTQR Kennel/I L. Bandy v ATT NEY Feb. 25, 1958 K. L.BANDY 2,824,321

STRIP CLEANING AND PROCESSING-MACHINE Filed Aug. 9, 1954 s Sheets-Sheet5 lNVENT OR ATTORNEY United v States Patent STRIP CLEANING ANDPROCESSING MACHINE Kenneth L. Bandy, Youngstown, Ohio, assignor to TheMcKay Machine Company, Youngstown, Ohio, a corporation of OhioApplication August 9, 1954, Serial No. 448,658

16 Claims. (Cl. 15-77) The present invention relates to strip handlingand processing equipment, and more particularly to an improved apparatusfor incorporation into strip feeding lines and the like for the purposeof cleaning and processing the strip preparatory to performing otheroperations thereon, such as stamping and forming, for example.

As an overall object, the present invention seeks to provide a novel andimproved apparatus for incorporation into a strip feeding line wherebythe strip material may be continuously cleansed of dirt and otherforeign matter in an improved and facilitated manner and with a minimumwastage of cleaning solutions.

The apparatus of the present invention has particular applicability tostrip feeding lines of other than the continuous type; that is, to linesadapted for the feeding of coils of material one at a time, asdistinguished from continuous feeding wherein the ends of succeedingcoils are welded or otherwise joined so that the trailing end of a firstcoil draws the leading end of the next subsequent coil through theequipment. To this end, it is one of the primary objects of theinvention to provide an improved strip cleaning machine which isarranged to cause the strip to travel through an essentially loopedcourse, to facilitate cleaning, and which is provided with novel andimproved arrangements for threading strip into the apparatus.

' With further reference to the above object, the present inventioncontemplates the provision of an improved strip cleaning machine havinga strip deflecting roll therein which may be fully retracted tofacilitate threading of a length of strip into the apparatus in astraight line manner.

A more specific object of the invention is the provision of an improvedstrip cleaning machine having spaced pairs of rolls and a fullyretractible deflecting roll positioned between such spaced pairs ofrolls wherein novel means are provided for guiding and supporting theend of an incoming strip section between the said spaced pairs of rollsso that the strip may be threaded in a substantially straight linemanner.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision of an improvedstrip cleaning machine having the above described characteristicswherein is incorporated a novel means including a retractible deflectingroll for flexing and processing strip material during its passagethrough the cleaning machine.

A further object of the invention is the provision in a strip cleaningmachine having one or more expendable cleaning rolls therein of a novelarrangement for support ing such cleaning rolls so that the same .may bereadily removed and replaced when necessary. To this end the inventionprovides a novel cleaning roll supporting structure providing forremoval and replacement of thecleaning or brush rolls in an axialdirection, from the side of the machine proper, so'that'a minimum oftime and .effort is required.

The above and other objects of the invention .will :become apparent uponfull consideration of the following ice 2 detailed specification andaccompanying drawing wherein there are shown certain preferredembodiments of my invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section view of a strip cleaning constructedin accordance with the teachings of my invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary side view of the apparatus of Figure 1illustrating certain novel features thereof;

Figures 3 and 4 are fragmentary section views taken along lines III-IIIand IV-IV respectively of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary section view taken along line VV of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary section view taken along line VI-VI of Figure4;

Figure 7 is a longitudinal section view of a second embodiment of myimproved strip cleaning machine having improved arrangements therein forprocessing strip during its passage through the machine;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary section view taken along line VIIIVIII ofFigure 7; and

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary section view taken along line IX-IXof Figure 8.

Referring now to the drawing, and initially to Figures l-6 thereof, thereference numeral 10 designates generally a base and frame structureconstituting a tank for the reception of a strip cleaning solution andhaving means therein for journaling a plurality of rolls which act invarious capacities upon a length of strip 11 as will be described indetail.

At the forward end of the frame 10 there is an opening 12 to receive thestrip 11. And positioned within the outlines of the frame, adjacent theopening 12, are threading rolls 13 and 14, the upper of the two rollsbeing vertically movable upon appropriate actuation of a cylinder 15 tofacilitate initial insertion of the strip 11 into the machine. Locatedon the exit side of the threading rolls 13 and 14 are laterally spacedsets of guiding or centering rolls 16 which engage the side edges of thestrip 11 to maintain the same in proper alignment with respect to thesides of the machine. A hand wheel 17 (Figure 2) and threaded operatingshaft 18 may be provided to effect inward or outward adjusting movementsof the sets of guide rolls 16 so that strip material of various sizesmay be properly accommodated.

Journaled in the frame 10 at the exit side of the guide rolls 16 arespaced sets 19 and 20 of cleaning rolls or brushes which are arranged toact upon the lower and upper surfaces respectively of the strip 11 toscrub and =abrade the same in the manner desired to remove scale andother foreign matter from such surfaces. The first set of cleaning rolls19 comprises an upper backing roll 21 which is journaled in fixedrelation in the frame 10, and a lower brush roll 22 which is adjustablyjournaled in the frame 10 for movement toward and away from the upperbacking roll 21. The specific arrangement for mounting and journalingthe brush roll 22 forms an important part of the present invention andwill be discussed in detail in later parts of the description.

Closely adjacent the first mentioned set of cleaning rolls 19 is asecond set 20 thereof comprising a lower backing roll 23, journaled infixed relation in the frame 10, and an upper brush roll 24 journaled inadjustable relation in the frame. Thus, it will be apparent that as thestrip ,11 passes through the cleaning stations 19 and 20 :both surfacesof the strip will be acted upon by the brush rolls 22 and .24. And, ofcourse, there is provided suitable means not specifically. shown forrotating the brush rolls at a relatively ,high speed and preferably in adirection opposite .to that direction of strip travel so that aneffective abrading action ,is obtained.

Spaced somewhat from the second cleaning station 20 in the direction ofstrip travel is a deflecting roll 25 which is journaled at its ends inblocks 26 which in turn are guided for vertical movement with respect tothe frame by means of spaced tracks of ways 27. In the illustrated andpreferred embodiment of the invention the blocks 26 are supported bymeans of fluid cylinders 28, positioned one on each side of the frame10, so that by suitable actuation of the cylinders 28 the deflectingroll 25 may be moved from a position above the roll 23 to a positionsubstantially below the same, the latter position being illustrated inFigure l. Preferably the cylinders 28 are of the type having a pluralityof telescopically arranged actuating members so that a large extendingand retracting movement may be obtained while the overall assembly maybe of a relatively compact nature.

Positioned in spaced relation to the deflecting roll 25, in thedirection of strip travel, are resilient squeegee rolls 29 and 30, theupper one of which, at least, is movably mounted by means of cylinders31. The rolls 29 and 30 are arranged to be moved into resilient pressureengagement with the upper and lower surfaces of the strip 11 to removetherefrom excess cleaning solution, as will be hereafter more fullydescribed.

At the exit side of the machine there are provided upper and lower powerdriven pinch rolls 32 and 33, the upper one of which is carried byspaced actuating cylinders 34 so that the pinch rolls may be separatedfor threading, and subsequently brought into pressure engagement withthe strip 11. Suitable power means, not specifically shown, are providedfor driving the pinch rolls 32 and 33 to draw the strip 11 from asuitable uncoiling device, also not shown, and through the cleaningmachine.

In accordance with the teachings of the invention there is mounted onthe deflecting roll journaling blocks 26, below and in spaced relationto the deflecting roll 25, a strip supporting table or platform 35 whichextends substantially between the ends of the roll 25 in a transversedirection, and substantially between the cleaning station 20 and thesqueegee rolls 29 and 30 in a longitudinal direction. Thus, when thetelescopic actuating cylinders 28 are fully retracted the stripsupporting platform 35 is moved to the position shown in broken lines inFigure 1, wherein one longitudinal edge of the plate lies closelyadjacent the lower roll 23 of cleaning station 20 while the forwardlongitudinal edge of the plate lies closely adjacent the lower squeegeeroll 29. And preferably the platform 35 is inclined upwardly somewhatfrom its. rear to its forward edge so that the forward edges lies closeto the level of the upper edge of the lower squeegee roll 29 while therear edge of the plate may be positioned somewhat below the upper edgeof the backing roll 23.

Thus, in threading a new length of strip through the cleaning machineactuating cylinders 15, 28, 31 and 34 are initially retracted to moverolls 13, 25, 30 and 33 respectively into their upper positions. Whenthe leading end of the strip is positioned between the threading rolls13 and 14 the cylinder 15 is extended to bring rolls 13 and 14 intoclamping engagement with the strip, and the rolls 13 and 14 are thenrotated to cause the strip to progress through the machine.

A fixed guide plate 36 is positioned between threading rolls 13 and 14and the first cleaning station 19 so that the strip is properlysupported until it reaches and passes be tween brush roll 22 and itsupper backing roll 21. Likewise, a fixed guide plate 37 is positionedbetween cleaning stations 19 and so that the strip is properly orientedto pass between brush roll 24 and backing roll 23.

After the leading end of the strip passes through the second cleaningstation 20 the end of the strip engages and is supported by the platform'35 as it passes under the upraised deflecting roll 25 and toward thesqueegee .rolls 29 and 30. The platform supports the strip for movementalong a generally horizontal path until it reaches the squeegee rolls,whereupon it is supported by the lower squeegee roll 29 and by a fixedsupporting plate 38 as it progresses toward and through the power drivenpinch rolls 32 and 33 and out of the machine on the exit side thereof.

After the strip passes through the pinch rolls 32 and 33, the pinch rollsupporting cylinders 34 are extended to move the pinch rolls intopressure engagement with the strip, and power is applied to the pinchrolls to cause the strip 11 to be drawn through the machine in themanner desired. At this same time cylinders 31 and 28 are also actuatedto move into extended positions so that the squeegee rolls 29 and 30move into resilient pressure engagement with the strip 11 and thedeflecting roll 25 moves into its illustrated extended position whereinthe strip 11 is caused to move through a sharp V-shaped path between thesecond cleaning station 29 and the squeegee rolls 29 and 30.

Mounted in the frame 10, below the main pass line of the strip andpositioned on each side of the deflecting roll 25, are transverselydisposed conduits 39 and 40 having axially spaced side wall aperturesdirected toward the V- shaped path of strip travel. The conduits 39 and40 connect with a suitable high pressure source of cleaning solutionsuch as kerosene, for example, so that a plurality of high pressurestreams of such solution are directed toward the lower surface of thestrip to thoroughly cleanse the same of oil and loose foreign particleswhich remain on the strip after its passage through the cleaning brushes22 and 24. Similarly, mounted above the main pass line of the strip oneither side of the deflecting roll 25 are other transversely disposedapertured conduits 41 and 42 which are arranged to direct high pressurestreams of cleaning fluid upon the upper surface of the strip 11, alongthe sides of the V-shaped path through which the strip is caused topass.

Thus, it will be observed that the several high pressure streams ofcleaning solution are directed upon the surfaces of the strip at pointswhere the strip is inclined at a sharp angle. The arrangement is suchthat the cleaning solution readily flows downwardly toward the apex ofthe V and thence to the bottom of the frame 10, which comprises asuitable receptacle for the used solution. This greatly simplifies thehandling of the solution inasmuch as it is self-draining, for the mostpart, and further in that the splash and spray of the high pressurestreams is confined to the lower part of the tank, generally.

Such excess of cleaning solution as adheres to the surface of the stripas it passes through its V-shaped path is removed by the squeegee rolls29 and 30.

During the cleaning process brush rolls 22 and 24 are rotated at highspeed and in opposition to the direction of movement of the strip sothat frequent replacement of the rolls is required. Accordingly, it isone of the more important objects of this invention to facilitatereplacement of the brush rolls, and this aspect of the invention may beunderstood by reference to Figures 2-6 of the drawing.

Thus, in Figure 3 there are shown fragmentary portions of the main frame19 wherein is journaled in fixed relation the upper backing roll 21 ofthe first cleaning station 19, suitable anti-friction bearings 43 and 44being provided for this purpose. In the illustrated machine the backingroll 21 rotates freely as an idler roll.

Positioned below the bearings 43 and 44 and guided for verticalslidingmovement in the frame 10 are bearing blocks 45 and 46 which are slidablyreceived over outwardly extending end portions of a shaft 47 forming thebody of the brush roll 22. One end of the shaft (the right hand end inFigure 3) is splined, as at 48, and has a slidable driving connectionwith a sprocket 49 which is driven by suitable means not shown.

To support the bearings 45 and 46 there are provided pairs of suspensionrods 50 and 51 which are engaged through suitable yokes 52 and 53 withthreaded shafts 54 and 55, operated by hand operated screw adjustments56 After a length of strip is loaded into the machine of Figures 7-9 thecylinders 106 are energized to lower the roll assembly 89 toward theprocessing roll 104. The strip 80 is of course carried downwardly withthe rolls 99, and when the strip contacts the processing roll 104,between the rolls 99, it is deformed upwardly so that the stripundergoes a series of reverse bends as it passes about the rolls 99 and104. The arrangement is clearly shown in Figure 7.

Depending upon the nature and condition of the material to be cleanedand processed it may be desirable to flex the strip 80 through arelatively severe reverse bend or to provide for little or no reverseflexing. To this end I provide adjustable abutment means to limit thedownward movement of the deflecting roll assembly 89 to a predeterminedlevel with respect to the fixed processing roll104. Thus, referring toFigures 8 and 9, it will be observed that the heavy cross beam member101 is provided at its outer ends with abutment surfaces 107 which areadapted to engage adjustable abutment earns 10% which are mounted uponthe frame 10'. The cams 108, as shown in Figure 9, are generallycircular in shape but are eccentrically mounted on shafts 109, so thatupon rotation of the shafts 109 the cams 108 present abutment surfacesat varying distances from theaxis of the processing roll 104-. And whenthe cylinders 106 are energized to lower the deflector roll assembly 09the surfaces 107 engage the cams 108 in their preadjusted positions sothat the deflecting rolls 99 are positioned in high or low relation tothe processing roll 104. In Figure 8 the deflecting roll assembly isillustrated in its lower position, in solid lines, while at 101a inbroken lines, the cross beam 101 is illustrated in its uppermostadjusted limit position, corresponding to its position when the cams 108are rotated to a position 180 degrees from that illustrated in Figure 9.

For setting the abutment cams 108 in desired position there is mountedon the outer end of each of the cam supporting shafts 109 a gear 110which meshes with a similar gear 11 (Figure 9). The gears 111 are keyedto a common shaft 112 so that movements of the cams 108 are mechanicallyinterlocked to assure that the cams are at all times in identicaladjusted positions. Suitable power or manual means, not shown, areprovided to rotate the shaft 112 to effect adjustment of the cams 108when desired. I

As in the embodiment of Figures 1-6 it is desired, in accordance withthe teachings of the invention, to provide means to support the strip 80on a relatively level plane as it passes from the second cleaningstation 86 to the squeegee rolls 90 and 91 during threading of a newlength of material into the machine. However, whereas in the embodimentof Figures l-6 a supporting plate or platform 35 is positioned beneaththe deflector roll 25 and is arranged to extend substantially over thewhole of the span between the last cleaning station 19 extent necessaryto avoid interference with the processing roll 104. 7

Referring to Figure 7, there is secured in fixed rela- :tion to the rollassembly 89 a strip supporting member 113 which is positioned below theforwardmost of the deflecting rolls 99 and arranged to extendsubstantially from the rearward edge of the squeegee roll 91 to theforward edge of the processing roll 104. The arrangement, however, issuch that there is ample clearance between the strip supporting member113 and the processing roll 104 so that the former may move pastthelatter as 8 the deflecting roll assembly 89 moves into its lowermostposition.

Pivoted about the axis of the lower back-up roll 88 of the secondcleaning station 86 are spaced brackets 114- which mount a second stripsupporting plate or member 115 for pivotal movement about the axis ofthe roll 38 between a substantially horizontal position and a retractedposition wherein the member 115 is disposed in a downwardly inclinedposition, at the rearward side of the deflecting roll assembly 89, asillustrated in Figure 7.

interconnecting the roll assembly 89 and the strip supporting member 15are spaced links 116 having elongated slots 117 therein which engagepins 118. The arrangement is such that when the roll assembly isretracted upwardly'into the position shown in broken lines in Figure 7links 116 draw the strip supporting member upwardly into a substantiallyhorizontal position, as also indicated by broken lines in Figure 7, sothat the member 115 extends substantially from the forward edge of theroll 83 to the rearward edge of the first described strip supportingmember 113. Thus, when the roll assembly 89 is in itsuppermost'retracted position the strip supporting members 113 and 115 conjointlydefine a substantially continuous strip supporting platform extendingover substantially the whole of the span between the last cleaningstation 86 and the squeegee rolls and -91, all in accordance with thedesired objects of the invention. The elongated slots 117 in the links118 pro vide for lost motion in the interconnection between the rollassembly 89 and the strip supporting member since the downward movementof the assembly 89 is more than sufi'icient to retract the member 115 tothe extent required.

It should thus be apparent that I have accomplished the several objectsinitially set forth. The within invention provides a highly improvedapparatus for cleaning and processing strip material preparatory toperforming other operations thereon such as stamping and forming and thelike. As strip passes through the machine it is thoroughly brushed andabraded on both principal surfaces and then subjected to high pressurestreams of cleaning solution. One of the improved features of theapparatus resides in the provision of means to deflect the stripmaterial into a V-shaped path, in combination with other means to directhigh pressure streams of cleaning solution toward the sharply inclinedsides of the V so that the cleaning solution readily drains off of thesurface of the material, at least to the extent that upon subsequentpassage of the strip material through a pair of squeegee rolls athorough removal of the solution from the surface of the strip isassured.

Another novel feature of the apparatus is the provision of a retractibledeflecting roll whereby strip sections may be easily threaded into thecleaning apparatus in a substandally straight line manner. And, ofcourse, this aspect of the invention includes the provision of stripsupporting platform means which are automatically moved into positionupon retraction of the deflecting roll so that a new strip section isadequately supported during threading thereof into the machine.

In connection with the above, the invention includes a further novel andimproved arrangement wherein a pair of retractible deflecting rolls areprovided in combination with a fixed processing roll whereby when thedeflecting rolls are moved into an extended or operative position thestrip is caused to pass in a reverse bend about the deflecting andprocessing rolls to effect a desired working of the material.

Another novel feature of the invention is the provision of a novel brushroll supporting structure including quickly accessible and easilyremovable bearings and axially removable rolls, combined with a novelarrangement for supporting the non-accessible end of the rolls duringaxial withdrawal thereof so that a minimum of time and man-power effortis required to eflect a quick removal and replacement of worn brushrolls.

and 57 respectively. By rotation of members 56 and 57 the yokes 52 and53, and consequently the bearings 45 and 46 may be raised or lowered tobring the brush roll 22 into a desired relation to the backup roll 21therefor.

At the left hand side of the frame 10 there is provided a removable door53, having a projecting boss 59 thereon which engages the outer face ofthe left hand bearing 45 and maintains the same in position in the frame16. However, upon removal of the door 53 the bearing 45 is exposed atthe side of the frame.

In accordance with the preferred teachings of the invention the rods 50are provided with enlarged heads 50' at their lower ends (see Figure 2)which are received in T-shaped slots in upper portion of the bearingblock 45. Thus, upon removal of the door 53, and exposure of the block45, the latter may be emovcd from the assembly by merely sliding theblock 45 outwardly of the frame, free of the rods 20 and shaft 47.

Also in accordance with the teachings of the invention the shaft 47 isprovided adjacent its right hand end portion with a reduced portion 6%),about the lower side of which is received a supporting member 61 (seeFigure 5) having a semi-circular recess along its upper edge. Thesupporting member extends downwardly of the shaft 47 and is slidablysupported by spaced transversely disposed rods 62 for movement from oneside to the other of the frame 10.

Thus, in replacing the brush roll 22 the bearings 45 and 46 are firstlowered through appropriate manipulation of hand adjustments 56 and 57until the shaft 47 is supported at its right hand end on the member 61.The door 58 and bearing block 45 are then removed, and the entire brushroll 22 is drawn axially to the left, out of the bearing 46 and outthrough the opening provided by the removed door 58. As the roll 22 isdrawn to the left the member 61 continuously supports the right hand endportion of the roll so that intricate crane or hoist manipulation is notrequired at any stage of the operation.

When the supporting member 61. comes to the end of its travel at theleft hand side of the frame 1.0 the roll 22 may be easily lifted bodilyout of the machine.

To install a new brush roll a reverse procedure is employed. And it willbe at once apparent that the entire sequence of operations may becarried out in an absolute minimum of time, with a minimum of manpower,and with little or no auxiliary power equipment such as hoists andcranes, for example.

In Figure 4 there is shown the brush roll supporting arrangement for thesecond cleaning station 20, wherein the brush roll 24 is positionedabove the back-up roll 23. The back-up roll 23 is, of course, fixedlyjournaled in the frame 10 by anti-friction bearings 63 and 62-, whilethe brush roll 24 is journaled in vertically movable bearing blocks 65and 66. The right hand bearing block 66 slidably receives the splinedend of the brush roll shaft 67, and carries a sprocket 68 having asplined driving connection with the shaft 67 and also having drivingconnection with a suitable driving means not shown.

To support the right hand bearing block 66 there is provided a rod 69which threadedly engages the frame 10 and has a rotatable connectionwith the block 66. At the upper end of the rod 69 there is a handoperated adjustment '70 (see Figure l), and upon suitable rotation ofthe adjustment '70 the block 66 is raised or lowered to adjust theposition of the shaft 67 in the marine desired.

Above the left hand bearing block 65 there is posi tioned a supportingpad 71 which has slidable interlocking engagement with the block 65 andwhich has a rotatable connection with a rod 72 which threadedly engagesthe frame 10. A hand operated adjustment 73 (Figure 2) is connected tothe rod 72 so that the same may be easily manipulated to raise or lowerthe pad '73 and bearing block 65 as desired.

Adjacent the outer side of the bearing block 65 there is provided a bossor abutment 74 which extends inwardly from the door 58 and which servesto retain the block 65 in its operative roll-supporting position.However, upon removal of the door 58 the bearing block 65 may be removedoutwardly through the thus exposed opening and thereby disconnected fromthe shaft 67 and supporting pad 71. At this time the brush roll 24 maybe withdrawn axially out of the side opening in the frame 10 in the samemanner as described with respect to the brush roll 22.

To support the right hand end of the brush roll 24 during axialwithdrawal of the same from the machine there is provided a U-shapedsupporting member 75 (see Figure 6) having a semicircular recess in itslower side for the reception of a reduced diameter portion '76 of theshaft 67. The supporting member 75 is in turn slidably supported uponspaced transversely extending rods 77 which are anchored at their endsin the bearing block 66 and in the pad 71.

To facilitate removal and replacement of the door 58 there are provideda plurality of pivotally mounted latches or keepers 78 secured to theframe 10 by bolts 79. The keepers 78 engage the door 58 at variouspoints about its outer edge to retain it in its normal closed position,but by merely loosening the bolts 79 and swing ing the keepers 78 to theside the door 53 may be quickly removed.

Referring now to Figures 7-9 of the drawing, there is shown a secondembodiment of my invention incorporating further novel features for thepurpose of working and processing strip, as well as cleaning the same,as it passes through the machine. In many respects the machine ofFigures 79 is similar to that of Figures 16, and Where such similarityexists it will be readily apparent and the description herein will be ofa brief and general nature.

Thus, in Figure 7 there is shown a cleaning machine comprising a mainframe 10 mounting, in the order of the direction of travel of the stripmaterial St), a pair of threading rolls 81 and 82, a first cleaningstation 83 having a lower brush roll 84 and upper back-up roll 85, asecond cleaning station 86 having an upper brush roll 87 and a lowerback-up roll 83, a strip deflecting roll assembly 89, to be furtherdescribed, a pair of squeegee rolls 90 and 9f, a pair of power drivenpinch rolls 92 and 93, and a processing roller leveler 94. As in themachine of Figures l6 a plurality of apertured conduits 95-98 areprovided to direct high pressure streams of cleaning fluid toward theupper and lower surfaces of the strip 8%.

In accordance with the teachings of the invention the strip deflectingroll assembly 89 comprises a pair of transversely disposed spaceddeflecting and processing rolls 99 which are supported at their ends bymeans of bearing blocks 100. The blocks 100 are in turn supported from aheavy cross beam member 101 which may be in the form of a heavy I-beammember and which has mounted at spaced points along its lower flange aplurality of sets of back-up rollers 1&2.

Mounted upon the base of the frame 10' and journaled at its ends inbearings 103 is a processing roll 104 which is located between the axesof the deflecting rolls 99. A plurality of back-up rollers 105 are alsosecured to the base of the frame for the purpose of supporting theprocessing roll 104 over its entire axial extent.

Having particular reference to Figure 8, it will be observed that thecross beam 101 is connected at its ends to telescopically arranged fluidcylinders 106 by means of which the cross beam and deflecting rolls maybe raised and lowered between strip loading or threading and stripcleaning and processing positions. In Figure 7 the defleeting rollassembly is shown principally in a strip cleaning and processingposition, and is shown in broken lines in its upper or strip loadingposition.

It should" be understood, however, that the several embodiments hereinillustrated and specifically described are intended to be illustrativeo-ily, as many changes and alterations may be made therein within theclear teachings of the invention. Reference should therefore be had tothe following appended claims in determining the full scope of theinvention.

I claim:

1. In a strip cleaning machine the combination of a frame having meanstherein for guiding and confining moving strip material, said meanstherein including spaced roll means defining a relative horizontal pathof movement of said strip material, second roll means mounted in saidframe between said spaced roll means, said second roll means comprisinga thin diametered processing roll and a pair of spaced parallel smalldiametered deflecting rolls, said processing roll being positioned inparallel relation-to and centrally located between the axes of saiddeflectingrolls in nesting relation therewith, means to verticallyseparate said processing roll and deflecting rolls to opposite sides ofsaid horizontal path whereby strip material may be threaded through saidspaced roll means and thereafter to close said rolls whereby said stripmay be deflected from said first path of movement and caused to beflexed in a reverse bend about said deflecting rolls and said processingroll.

'2. In a strip cleaning machine the combination of a frame, a first rolljournaled in said frame for supporting and guidingmoving strip material,a second roll journaled in said'frame and spaced substantiallyforwardlyof said first roll, said first and second rolls defining a relativelyhorizontal path of movement for said strip, a third roll mounted in saidframe between said first and second rolls, means to move said third rollin a vertical direction from a position above said path to a positionsubstantially below said path, said rolls defining a V-shaped path forsaid strip with said third roll positioned substantially below saidfirst mentioned path, a strip supporting platform carried in fixedrelation to said third roll, said platform being positioned below and inspaced relation to said third roll and having a longitudinal dimensionsubstantially equal to the distance between said first and second rolls,the arrangement being such that when said third roll is moved to aposition above said first mentioned path said platform is positionedsubstantially along said path whereby to support strip material movingfrom said first to said second roll, and means to direct streams ofcleaning solution upon the surfaces of said strip as the same passesthrough said V-shaped path.

3. In a strip cleaning machine the combination of a frame, a first rolljournaled in said frame for supporting and guiding moving stripmaterial, a second roll journaled in said frame and spaced substantiallyforwardly of said first roll, said first and second rolls defining arelatively horizontal path of movement for said strip, a third rollmounted in said frame between said first and second rolls, means to movesaid third roll in a vertical direction from a position above said pathto a position substantially below said path, said rolls defining aV-shaped path for said strip when said third roll is positionedsubstantially below said first mentioned path, strip supporting platformmeans movably positioned within said frame, means to move said platformmeans into strip supporting position substantially along said firstmentioned path and extending substantially between said first and secondrolls when said third roll is positioned above said first mentionedpath, and means to move said platform means into a retracted positionclear of said first mentioned and V-shaped paths when said third roll ispositioned below said first mentioned path, and means to direct streamsof cleaning solution upon the surfaces of said strip as the same passesthrough said V-shaped path.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 further characterized by said platformmeans including a member pivotally mounted on said frame andinterconnected with said third roll whereby upon movement of said thirdroll to a posi nea est tion above said first mentioned path said mem beris pivoted into strip supporting position and upon movement of saidthird roll to a position below said first mentioned path said member ispivoted into said retracted position.

5. In a strip cleaning machine the combination of a frame, a first rolljournaled in said frame for supporting and guiding moving stripmaterial, a second roll journaled in said frame and spaced substantiallyforwardly of said first roll, said first and second rolls defining afirst path of movement for said strip, strip deflecting means mounted insaid frame between said first and second rolls, means to move said stripdeflecting means from a first position above said path to a secondposition substantially below said path, retractable means movable into aposition below said path when said strip deflecting means is in saidfirst position for supporting strip material moving from said first tosaid second roll, said strip deflecting means comprising a pair ofspaced parallel deflecting rolls, a processing roll journaled in saidframe substantially below said path, and said processing roll beingpositioned in parallel relation to and centrally located between theaxes of said deflecting rolls whereby upon movement of said stripdeflecting means into said second position said strip is caused to beflexed in a reverse bend about said deflecting rolls and said processingroll.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 further characterized in that saidretractable means comprises a pivotal member operative when saiddeflecting rolls are moved toward said second position to pivot intoretracted relation to said deflecting rolls and said processing rolls.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 further including adjustable means tolimit the movement of said deflecting rolls toward said second positionwhereby the severity of said reverse bend may be regulated.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 further characterized by saidadjustable means comprising abutment cam means, and means to rotate saidcam means to provide an adjustable abutment stop for said deflectingrolls.

9. In a strip cleaning machine having a frame, a power driven brushroll, and means to journal said brush roll in said frame; theimprovement in said brush roll and said means to journal comprising asupporting shaft for said brush roll having axial spline means at oneend, a first bearing block at one side of said frame for slidably androtatably receiving said one end, said bearing block including means fordrivingly engaging said spline means, a second bearing block at theother side of said frame for slidable reception over the other end ofsaid supporting shaft, means to retain said second bearing block in saidframe comprising a removable portion of said frame positioned on theouter axial side of said second bearing block whereby upon removal ofsaid portion said second bearing block may be removed axially from saidshaft, and means independent of said bearing means to support said oneend of said shaft in substantially all axial positions of the samewithin said frame, the arrangement being such that upon removal of saidportion and said second bearing block said brush roll may be removedaxially from said other side of said frame with continuous support beingprovided for said one end of said shaft.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 further characterized in that saidmeans to support comprises a guide rod positioned parallel to andadjacent said brush roll, and means slidable on said guide rod andsupportably engaging said shaft adjacent its said one end.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 further characterized in that saidremovable portion comprises a door forming part of the side wall of saidframe, and means on said door having abutting relation to said secondbearing block whereby to retain the same in operative position when saiddoor is attached to said frame.

12. In a machine having a frame, a roll, and means to journal said rollin said frame; the improvement in said means to journal comprising afirst bearing block at one side of said frame for slidably and rotatablyreceiving one end portion of said roll, a second bearing block at theother side of said frame for slidable reception over the other endportion of said roll, means to retain said second bearing block in saidframe comprising aremovable portion of said frame positioned on theouter axial side of said second bearing block whereby upon removal ofsaid portion said second bearing block may be removed axially from saidshaft, and means independent of said bearing means to support said oneend portion of said roll in substantially all axial positions of thesame in said frame, the arrangement being such that upon removal of saidportion and said second bearing biock said roll may be removed axiallyfrom said other side of said frame with continuous support beingprovided for the said one end portion of said roll.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 further including means to adjustthe position of said roll transversely of its axis comprising adjustingmeans engaging said frame and said bearing blocks, said adjustingmeanshaving slidable engagement with said second bearing block to permitremoval of the same axially of said roll.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 further characterized by saidadjusting means comprising a threaded member engaging said frame, asupporting pad connecting said adjusting means and said second bearingblock, and said supporting pad having slidable interconnection with saidsecond bearing block.

15. In a machine having a frame, a roll, and means to journal said rollin said frame; the improvement in said means to journal comprising afirst bearing block at one side of said frame for slidably and rotatablyreceiving one end portion of said roll, a second bearing block at theother side of said frame for slidable reception over the other endportion of said roll, removable means to retain said second bearingblock in said frame, and means to support said one end portion of saidroll in substantially all axial positions of the same within said frame,said frame having an opening therein in said other side for the axialwithdrawal of said roll therethrough, the arrangement being such thatupon removal of said second hearing block said roll may be removedaxially from said other side of said frame with continuous support beingprovided for the said one end portion of said roll.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 further characterized by said meansto support comprising a member slidable axially of said roll in parallelrelation thereto and having supporting engagement with said rolladjacent the said one end portion thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,765,498 Naugle June 24, 1930 2,067,923 Hudson Jan. 19, 1937 2,188,782Thomas Jan. 30, 1940 2,279,608 Wood Apr. 14, 1942 2,297,976 NachtmanOct. 6, 1942

